Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance

Contents

The Office of Cyber Security & Information Assurance (OCSIA) supports the minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, and the National Security Council in determining priorities in relation to securing cyberspace. The unit provides strategic direction and coordinates the cyber security programme for the government, enhancing cyber security and information assurance in the UK.

The OCSIA is headed by James Quinault. It works with other lead government departments and agencies such as the Home Office, Ministry of Defence (MOD), Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), the Communications-Electronics Security Department (CESG), the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS).

Aims and objectives

The OCSIA is responsible for implementing a number of cross cutting agendas including:

providing a strategic direction on cyber security and information assurance for the UK including e-crime

working with private sector partners on exchanging information and promoting best practice

ensuring that the UK’s information and cyber security technical capability and operational architecture is improved and maintained

working with the Office of the Government Senior Information Risk Owner (OGSIRO) to ensure the resilience and security of government ICT infrastructures such as the Public Sector Network (PSN) and G-cloud

engaging with international partners in improving the security of cyberspace and information security